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Richmond Historical Society finalizes parade plans

RICHMOND — Richmond’s Memorial Day parade will get under way at 11 a.m. on May 27, forming at the former Richmond Elementary School/Hardy Field parking lot.

Plans for the parade were finalized when the Richmond Community Historical Society, event sponsor, met May 14 at the Crew House Museum, located on Main Street.

President Phil Judy presided at the meeting, noting Wendy Byers and Donna Corder are serving as co-chairs of the parade. Sandy Judy, historical society secretary, explained the parade theme will be “Celebrating America’s Women” in recognition of the approaching 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted American women the right to vote. The amendment was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920.

The parade will proceed through town, led by Richmond American Legion Post 740 Honored Seven representatives and Post Commander J.O. Henry and ending at Richmond Union Cemetery with a brief ceremony.

The guest speaker will be Jeff Binkiewicz, a resident of the Amsterdam area, who served eight years as an Airborne Ranger jumpmaster with the 2nd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant. He is the son of Judy Routzon Binkiewicz and the late John Binkiewicz.

Janice Kiaski of Richmond was selected to serve as grand marshal. She is the daughter of the late Jay W. “Pidge” and Ruth Ann Hout and graduated from Jefferson Union High School in 1976. She earned her bachelor’s of science degree in communications from West Liberty State College. The community editor for the Herald-Star and Weirton Daily Times has been an employee of the newspaper for 39 years.

Wreath carriers are Peyton Mills, daughter of Jimmy and Jennifer Mills, and Addalynn Alloggia, daughter of Jason and Erin Alloggia. Chloe Peckens, daughter of Duane and Amber Peckens, will deliver the “Gettysburg Address.”

Pastor John Harris of the Richmond United Presbyterian Church will deliver the invocation and benediction.

Because of safety and space concerns, no parking will be permitted at Hardy Field where the floats line up, the reminder was issued in a letter from the co-chairs, who are inviting organizations to participate with either a marching unit or a float with the theme of “Celebrating America’s Women.” Participants are asked to call Byers at (740) 765-2042 or Corder at (740) 765-5528 so a lineup can be established prior to the morning of the parade.

Parade participants may be dropped off by the Richmond Presbyterian Church. “If you have young children in your group, please have someone at the top of the hill to direct them to their group,” the co-chairs’ letter to would-be participants notes. “We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause, but the safety of the children is our main priority.

The historical society will have the Crew House open to visitors on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Richmond United Methodist Church, located at 112 S. Sugar St., will again host its annual Memorial Day breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The meal includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, toast, coffee, milk and juice. Cost is by donation with proceeds to be split between the American Cancer Society and Boy Scout Troop 20 camperships.

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